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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full message from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.